PET REGULATIONS IN WISCONSIN
If you're wanting to purchase or adopt a new pet, use these resources to help you find out if the pet you want is prohibited or controlled (i.e., requires a permit) in your state. And don't forget to do some research on the pet you want. Many pets are expensive, time consuming, and can live for a long time. Be prepared to properly care for your pet for its entire lifetime.
Wisconsin prohibited and controlled species info
Wisconsin classifies regulated invasive species into two categories:
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- Restricted- illegal to transport, transfer, or introduce
- Prohibited- illegal to possess, transport, transfer, or introduce
The invasive species rule, Wis. Admin. Code NR 40, makes it illegal to possess, transport, transfer or introduce certain invasive species in Wisconsin without a permit. Everyone is responsible for complying with these regulations. Find a full list of these species at Invasive species rule – NR 40 | | Wisconsin DNR or https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/Invasives/nr40lists.pdf
Some of the invasive species prohibited in Wisconsin include:
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- Didymo or rock snot
- Russian, and diffuse knapweed
- Scotch broom
- Hydrilla
- Parrot feather
- Southern cattail
- Snakehead family
- Grass, silver, bighead, and black carp
- Zander
- Asian longhorned beetle
- Mountain pine beetle
- Spiny water flea, fishhook water flea, and water flea
- Asian clam
- Quagga mussel
- New Zealand mudsnail
- Monk or quaker parakeet or parrot
- Nutria
- Feral domestic swine, Russian boar, or other wild swine
There is also a table on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website that contains all regulated species: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/RegulatedSpecies
Also, no person may possess any live wild animal unless the wild animal is legally obtained. No person may possess any live wild animal unless the person holds a license or other approval to possess the wild animal as required. Wisconsin wildlife laws require a license to take a wild animal from the wild or to import one into the state. A license is also required to exhibit, breed, rehabilitate, hunt, and/or purchase wild animals. Violations can result in fines, forfeiture, and/or imprisonment.
Additional permits may be required by other DNR programs, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) or others depending on the nature of the activity and the species involved. Contact these agencies for regulations and additional information before obtaining any wild animal.
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- County and municipal governments
- DATCP at datcp.wi.gov [exit DNR]
- USDA at usda.gov [exit DNR]
Now, keep in mind, just because an animal is legal to own in the state, it doesn’t mean the city you live in allows it. Many local cities and counties have their own restrictions on which animals are legal to keep, and which are not. Consider checking with your local city and/or county for their regulations regarding what pets you can and can’t own. It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife.
For more information on prohibited species, please see the links below.